Northwest Business.

Village To Study Local Business' Needs

BUFFALO GROVE — Keeping business owners happy is a major resolution of local leaders in Buffalo Grove.

Community volunteers this month will start interviewing business owners for a village-sponsored study to anticipate the needs of local companies.

So far 17 volunteers, out of the 20 the village is looking for, have signed up to participate in the business retention and expansion study, said Ghida Sahyouni, assistant village manager.

"We have a wonderful blend of business representatives, residents who want to get involved and residents who own businesses in the community," Sahyouni said.

The volunteers, who will receive two hours of training from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 11 at Village Hall, will make appointments with Buffalo Grove business owners and go in pairs to conduct hourlong interviews with them.

Sahyouni said the survey is being conducted in conjunction with Lake County Partners, a spinoff of the former Lake County Partnership for Economic Development.

"It's a lot easier to retain the businesses you have than attract new ones," said David Young, president of Lake County Partners, a private, non-profit economic development corporation whose members include municipalities, chambers of commerce, universities and businesses. "To retain them we have to learn about their needs, their growth opportunities and what may be preventing them from growing. We will then work with the communities to find solutions."

The volunteers conducting the survey will ask owners about the history of their companies, the physical characteristics of their buildings, the number of employees and the amount of warehouse space they use, among other questions.

The data from the survey also will be used to help anticipate training needs of employees on computers or other equipment and to clarify employee transportation issues.

Sahyouni said the survey will allow the village to take the initiative on business' needs rather than learning about them during "exit interviews" when businesses leave town.